Multimodal therapeutic program during hospitalization in obese COPD patients

Introduction: Obesity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has increased in the last decades and its prevalence varies from 10-20% in Europe. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a multimodal therapeutic program (MTP) during the hospitalization due to acute exacerbation (AE) in obese COPD patients. Methods: Randomized, clinical trial. We compared the effects of a MTP combined with standard care (SC) with those of a SC intervention in obese AECOPD patients. The intervention group received twice daily individualized MTP during 45min during the hospital stay. The MTP included 15min of deep breathing exercises and 30min of limb exercises. Patients were assessed at admission and discharge. The outcome measures were strength assessed with dynamometry and exercise capacity evaluated with 2 minute step in place test. Results: We recruited 42 obese AECOPD patients, 95.2% were men. Mean age 73.03 years. The groups were equivalent on the clinical measures and on length of hospital stay. Conclusions: A MTP improves muscle strength and exercise capacity in obese AECOPD patients. Future studies should explore other physical therapy programs in obese COPD subjects.